Here's what's happening this week in the Chattanooga area.
Dolly Days
To celebrate Dolly Parton's 79th birthday on Jan. 19, Signal Centers is partnering with local businesses for a weeklong celebration, Jan. 13-18. Families who have a child under age 5 may participate, for a chance to win an iPad, by picking up a birthday passport at a sponsoring location or by printing it out at home. You'll need to complete at least four of the seven activities, which include dining at Texas Roadhouse, attending the UTC women's basketball game against Mercer, attending any of the Chattanooga Public Library's Dolly programming or sampling a Dolly-inspired ice cream from Clumpies. Participants who complete all seven activities get a second entry in the prize drawing. Other activities include a celebration at Creative Discovery Museum, Dolly karaoke night for adults at The Boneyard and a Dolly-wrapped CARTA bus with a Little Free Library inside. Signal Centers is Hamilton County's community partner for Parton's Imagination Library, which provides free books each month to children until their 5th birthday. Learn more at chattlibrary.org/signal-centers-dolly-days.
CALENDAR
ARTS
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts shows, through Feb. 21: "Keeping Tradition Alive," figurative works by Stan Townsend (Main Gallery); Townsend Atelier Thursday Night Drawing Group Invitational (Landis Gallery). avarts.org
CHATTANOOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY — 1001 Broad St. (third floor). chattlibrary.org
› Through Jan. 28: "The Impressions," a Songbirds Foundation exhibit about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group that included Chattanooga natives Fred Cash and Sam Gooden.
› Through Feb. 28: "Records of Removal: Ration Books From the Trail of Tears," by Local History and Genealogy Department, with original log books detailing weekly food supply issued to Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) families being held at Ross's Landing and nearby internment camps between 1836 and 1838.
CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD VISITOR CENTER — 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. "Mark Thrash — Local Legend, Civil Rights After the Civil War," Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park display of artifacts of the former slave and U.S. War Department employee. nps.gov/chch
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. Community show, "Reflections in Ice," through Feb. 2. franklincoarts.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. Regular admission (applies to both events): $20 nonmember adults. (See also MLK Day.) huntermuseum.org
› Jan. 12: Sunday Studio for families, with cardboard crafts and activities with partners from Chattanooga Public Library and Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, 2-4 p.m.
› Jan. 16: Art Wise with Rondell Crier, who created the mural "Flights of Hope and Healing" on view in the museum's East Wing, 6-7 p.m.
ICA @ UTC — Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St. "Gospel of the Working Class" by Tabitha Arnold, Jan. 17-March 8. Reception, 5-7 p.m. Jan. 18. Artist talk, noon Jan. 24 in Fine Arts Center Room 315. icachatt.org
(READ MORE: Chattanooga artist Tabitha Arnold creates tapestries chronicling city's labor history)
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. "In the Open Air," plein air paintings by Lora Miller, through Jan. 31. intowngallery.com
LIQUIDAMBAR ART GALLERY — Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Showcase of ceramics, sculptures, flame-worked glass, metal ornaments, kaleidoscopes, and paintings by local artists, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CST every Saturday-Sunday (other times by appointment). Forest Nature Trails also open.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF CHATTANOOGA — chattanoogaphoto.org
› Through Jan. 24: Autumn/holiday show at Gallery at Blackwell, 71 Eastgate Loop.
› Jan. 13-Feb. 15: Entries in six categories accepted in Youth Photography Showcase for high school students ages 14-18. Cash prize for best in show; ribbons for three finalists in each category.
› Jan. 16: January meeting with special guest Jerry Atnip program on "Fine Art Photography," 7 p.m. at St. John United Methodist Church, 3921 Murray Hills Drive. Continuing education program at 6 p.m. on "Lightroom Updates" by Richard Smith.
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Encaustic photography by Mark Boughton and ceramics by Lynnette Hesser, through Jan. 31. Reception, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 17. river-gallery.com
STOVEWORKS — 1250 E. 13th St. "Keep a Place for Me," curated by teen artists, through Jan. 18. "Cosmic Connection," works by 2024's resident artists, through Jan. 25. stoveworks.org
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. Cory Michaelis, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Jan. 17-18, $19-$24; Teachers Night Out With Cory Michaelis, 6 p.m. Jan. 19, $15-$20. thecomedycatch.com
FILM
BESSIE SMITH CULTURAL CENTER — 200 E. M.L. King Blvd. Preview screening of Henry Lewis Gates Jr.'s new PBS series, "Great Migrations: A People on the Move, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Free but register: bessiesmithcc.org
CHATTANOOGA JEWISH DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES — Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace. Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga continues series of award-winning films, available virtually Sunday noon to Friday noon; or in person at 2 p.m. on designated dates, with free popcorn and beverage. $36 series subscription, $12 single films. jewishchattanooga.com
› Jan. 12 in person; Jan. 12-17 virtual: "Technion 10.02." In Hebrew with subtitles.
› Jan. 19 in person; Jan. 19-24 virtual: "Troll Storm." In English.
› Jan. 26 in person only: "Four Winters," commemorating International Holocaust Day on Jan. 27.
LOOKOUT WILD FILM FESTIVAL — The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave. Event in 13th year features 70+ films from 30+ countries about wild places and the people they inspire, with matinee and evening sessions, noon and 6 p.m. Jan. 17-19. Includes free Adventure Expo marketplace with outdoor gear, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $35-$50 per session, $100-$160 weekend pass. lwff.org
MLK DAY
CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL MILITARY PARK — Sherman Reservation on Missionary Ridge, 2300 Lightfoot Mill Road. Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service seeks volunteers for cleanup and trail maintenance at the 73rd Pennsylvania Reservation, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Tools and supplies provided. Bring water and snacks; wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Contact: Will Wilson,706-866-9241, ext. 137
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. Dreamers Day, featuring activities provided by local school groups, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 20. Free with regular admission: $20. cdmfun.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. MLK Day of Hope and Community, with gallery discussions of art related to King's legacy, family art activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 20. Timed events: guided poetry writing and performance by Erika Roberts at 2 p.m., gallery meditation with Loren Clifford at 3 p.m. Free admission. huntermuseum.org
UNITY GROUP OF CHATTANOOGA — Organization's 55th annual Martin Luther King Week, led by local and visiting leaders, with theme "Dream Big! Act Bold! Ignite Change Together!"
› Jan. 13: "Housing Justice and Anti-Displacement in Marginalized Communities," 6 p.m. virtual.
› Jan. 16: "We Must Unite To Save Our Youth, 7 p.m. at The Community Haven, 815 N. Hickory St.
› Jan. 17: "Dialogue With Dr. James Small, 6:30 p.m. at Eastdale Village Community United Methodist Church, 1403 Tunnel Blvd.
› Jan. 18: Prayer breakfast, featuring 14-year-old minister Hilton Rawls III of Greater Grace Ministries of Newark, N.J., 9 a.m. at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 1115 N. Moore Road.
› Jan. 19: MLK Week Gospel Music Extravaganza, 4 p.m. at Olivet Nation, 4872 Jersey Pike, Suite A.
› Jan. 20: MLK Young Leadership Symposium, 10 a.m. at The Chattanoogan Hotel (see separate entry).
› Jan. 20: 55th annual Memorial March and Parade, 1 p.m. from Georgia Avenue at Miller Park to Peeples Street (lineup begins at 12:30 p.m.).
› Jan. 20: Featured speaker Pastor Clay Holliday Jr. of Bethel Chapel AME Church in Columbia, Tenn., 2 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 E. M.L. King Blvd.
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA — The Chattanoogan hotel, 1201 Broad St. Fifth annual MLK Day Youth Leadership Symposium, Mission Possible: Youth Leading the Charge for Freedom, Justice and Democracy, geared for students 13 and older, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 20. Includes historical and enrichment activities, games, debates, free lunch and snacks. Registration required: Text MLK25 to 91999.
MUSIC
THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. Athens Area Council for the Arts' next House Blend concert, "One," celebrating one-hit wonders and chart-topping records with local singers backed by house band September Song, 7 p.m. Jan. 17-18 (rescheduled from Jan. 10-11). $17-$22 (includes refreshment and cash bar). athensartscouncil.org
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Wednesday jazz with Dexter Bell & Friends, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15. $10-$12. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouse ballroom.com
› Jan. 15: Nonpoint, 20th and 25th anniversary shows of "To the Pain" and "Statement," with special guests Crobot and Heartsick, 7:30 p.m. $25-$30.
› Jan. 16: Mon Rovia, with Paige Fish, 8 p.m. $26-$31.
› Jan. 17: Michigander, with Sydney Sprague, 8 p.m. $20-$25.
› Jan. 18-19: The Floating Men. Both shows sold out.
GOSPEL TOURS
› The Agee Family: Burks United Methodist Church, 6433 Hixson Pike, 6 p.m. Jan. 16; Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18; Bogles Chapel Baptist Church, 4304 Old Dixie Highway, Evensville, Tenn., 6 p.m. Jan. 18; Union Springs Baptist Church, 5911 Levi Road in Falling Water community, 6 p.m. Jan. 19. theageefamily.com
› The Browns: Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, 6 p.m. Jan. 19. thebrownsmusic.com
GEM THEATRE — 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga. calhoungemtheatre.org
› Jan. 17: Gene Watson, 7 p.m. $48-$58.
› Jan. 18: ROCK in the USA: A Tribute to John Cougar Mellencamp, 7:30 p.m. $35.
THE SIGNAL — 21 Choo Choo Ave. Halestorm's Lizzy and Joe: The Living Room Sessions, 8 p.m. Jan. 16. $53-$76. thesignaltn.com
SONGBIRDS — 206 W. Main St. songbirdsfoundation.org
› Jan. 16: Open Mic Night, hosted by James Snider, 7-9 p.m. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. for 10 slots. Free admission; donations encouraged.
› Jan. 18: Call Me Spinster, with Alva Leigh, 7 p.m. $20.
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — 4881 Taylor Circle, Collegedale. Percussionist Michael Yeung in Performing Arts Series, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 in Mabel Wood Hall's Ackerman Auditorium. $10. southern.edu/southernevents
OUT & ABOUT
"ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS" AQUARIUM TOUR — Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. Specialty tour based on Nintendo Switch video game, to learn about real-world aquatic life alongside game characters, through Feb. 28. Includes character stamp rallies Jan. 25-26 (rescheduled from Jan. 11-12) and Feb. 22-23. Available with regular admission: $30-$40 nonmembers. tnaqua.org
ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL — Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Third annual event illuminates grounds with new collection of handcrafted Asian lanterns in 40 interactive displays showcasing dinosaurs and plant and animal life from the Amazon rain forest, 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Jan. 19 (Wednesday through Sunday). $17-$23 (discounts for members). chattzoo.org
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA WARGAMING — Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park presents "You Take Command: Wargaming the Battle of Chickamauga in Miniature," interactive, three-hour miniature wargame, 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Up to 10 participants commanding portions of Federal and Confederate armies and maneuvering military miniatures across a 3D tabletop battlefield with dice rolls and cards determining effects of their decisions. Experience not necessary; children welcome with accompanying adult. Email Luke Dixon to reserve a spot: [email protected]
Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton / Nashville resident Shayla Rucker plays the board game Solar Draft in the gaming room during the 2023 edition of Chattacon. The fandom convention returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel for its 50th year Jan. 17-19.CHATTACON — DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, 407 Chestnut St. Fandom convention marks 50th year with special guests, gaming, art show, masquerade, vendors, Jan. 17-19. $45-$60. chattacon.org
CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM — 321 Chestnut St. "Namaste India," hands-on exhibit featuring Bollywood, tuk tuk rides, Indian cuisine and other cultural touchstones, Jan. 18-May 11 (closed Wednesdays). $20 (ages 2 and up). cdmfun.org
DALTON HOME SHOW — Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Nationwide Expos event features industry experts with products and services for renovating, decorating or building a home, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 12 (last day). Free admission. daltonhomeshow.com
DINNER DETECTIVE SHOW — DoubleTree Chattanooga Hamilton Place, 2232 Center St. Themed interactive comedy murder mystery, with plated dinner, 6 p.m. Jan. 18 and other dates through March. $61. thedinnerdetective.com
DOLLY DAYS — Chattanooga-area businesses and organizations. Signal Centers' weeklong celebration of Dolly Parton's 79th birthday on Jan. 19 for families with a child under age 5, Jan. 13-18. Print out birthday passport at home or pick up at a sponsor location for chance to win iPad after completing four of the seven activities (complete all seven for a second entry). Includes dining out, ice cream, library programming, basketball game. Signal Centers is Hamilton County location of the singer's Imagination Library, providing free books to children each month until their 5th birthday. chattlibrary.org/signal-centers-dolly-days
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN — Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road. Post-Christmas cheer, with music and storytelling, aboard 60-minute, 6-mile round trip with festive displays at the depot and North Pole station, 5:30 and 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12 (last day). $15-$24. tvrail.com
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Open-air ice-skating rink, expanded to 1,400 square feet, through Feb. 2. Hours vary, but open holidays. Food vendors and Chill Zone with televisions, fire pits and games on-site. $12-$14 (includes rink time and skate rental). Online reservations encouraged for all sessions. iceonthelanding.com
INTUITIVE ARTS MARKET — Bud's Creative Arts Center, 5325 Old Hixson Pike. Features psychics, tarot readers, astrologers, reiki healers, massage therapists, henna artists, plus handmade arts and crafts, poetry open mic, aura photography, crafting Brigid dolls, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 18. $5 admission (free for children under 12). budscreativeartscenter.com
PAGE-TURNERS (NOT) ON THE PATIO — Naked River Brewing Co., 1791 Reggie White Blvd. Southern Lit Alliance gathering for quiet reading and optional socializing, indoors in winter, 6:39-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Bring your own book. RSVP: solitchatt.org
(READ MORE: Restaurant Scene: Holiday closure extended for Naked River Brewing)
SANDHILL CRANE FESTIVAL — Birchwood Community Center, 5623 Highway 60, Birchwood (parking for shuttles to Hiwassee Refuge; handicap parking permitted at refuge). Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency event in 34th year features viewing of up to 20,000 of the migratory birds, plus eagles and other wildlife, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 18-19. Community center will host Wings To Soar live raptor demonstrations, musical acts, vendors, children's craft room, home-cooked concessions, quilt raffle. American Indian artifacts, interpreters and bird viewing at Cherokee Removal Memorial adjacent to the refuge. Free admission. tn.gov/twra
SUPERHERO DEFENSE TRAINING — Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Storytime and free training session by Pope's Martial Arts Academy featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 18. Free. shopbradleysquare.com
WINTER SKATING — Stable 41, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Glice-skating rink (synthetic ice) opens for second season, through Jan. 31 (closed Mondays). $10. fortogov.com/winter-skating
WORLD OF WHEELS — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Specialty car show in 57th year, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 12 (last day). Sunday's special guest: Kate Flannery, aka Meredith from "The Office," noon-3 p.m. All weekend: BMX Stunt Team, Batmobile replica, Von Hot Rod, Star Wars characters, Hot Wheels drag racing; special hours for costumed and transforming characters. $5-$20 ($3 discount on adult tickets purchased at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores). worldofwheelsnet/chattanooga
YOUNG SOUTHERN STUDENT WRITERS CONTEST — Southern Lit Alliance and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga contest open to K-12 Hamilton County public, private and home-school students, through Jan. 31. Categories for poetry and prose, fiction and nonfiction. solitchatt.org
THEATER
ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATRE — The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athensartscouncil.org
› Jan. 12-14: Auditions for "As She Likes It," 6 p.m. (show dates March 13-16).
› Jan. 15: Table read of Stephen King's prison drama "The Shawshank Redemption," 7 p.m. in Willson Exhibit Room. Participants may read a part or listen.
› Jan. 19: Table read of "The Phantom Tollbooth," a stage version based on the children's book, 3 p.m. in Peggy Dow Performance Center. Participants may read a part or listen.
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. Auditions for "Dreamgirls," Jan. 13-14, by appointment (show dates March 28-April 13). theatrecentre.com
RHYME N CHATT — Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market St. Fresh Out the Shoebox interactive poetry open mic, 7 p.m. Jan. 16 (and other third Thursdays). eventbrite.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress. com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at [email protected] or 423-757-6281.